Morecambe have completed the signing of full-back Joel Senior from Carlisle United on a one-year deal, according to the club’s official website.
Senior spent the last 18 months with Carlisle, helping the Cumbrians to victory in the play-off final. He would start both legs of the semi-final against Bradford as well as playing every single minute of the play-off final against Stockport, where Carlisle came out victorious on penalties.
The 24-year-old was however kept out of the first half of the season, not making an appearance until January following a cruciate ligament injury which he sustained in the February prior. Although Senior played an integral part in Carlisle’s play-off run, Simpson decided to not renew his contract and after testing the free agent market, the full-back has landed at League Two newcomers Morecambe.
Who is Joel Senior?
Senior has made quite a comeback given he was released by Oldham’s academy as a 15-year-old. He would go onto play for various semi-professional lower league clubs such as Hough End, Maine Road and F.C. United of Manchester before stepping up to the National League North with Curzon Ashton. He would spend just half a season with the Nash, before successfully completing a trial with the Burnley under-21s. He’d once again be on the move the season after, joining National League side Altrincham, who he would make 64 appearances for before joining then League Two Carlisle in the 2022 January transfer window. Senior’s greatest strength is his ability to get forward and test the opposition defenders. He likes to create chances for his teammates and that was something that was on show at Carlisle during his time playing as a wing-back. The Shrimps may choose to deploy the 24-year-old in the same way and if able to stay fully fit, then they may have a steal on their hands.
Morecambe will be looking to bounce back up to League One, following their 22nd place finish which saw them relegated to the fourth tier. The Shrimps only had a two-year spell in League One, and will once again be playing their football in League Two next season. The shrewd signing of Senior is their seventh signing of the summer, in what has been a busy transfer window at the Mazuma stadium so far. That being said, they have lost talisman Cole Stockton to Burton Albion, but should still be competitive in League Two next season.
What’s been said?
Speaking of his seventh summer signing, manager Derek Adams said:
“Joel obviously had a very good season last year- in being part of a promotion with Carlisle. He has shown throughout his career that he isn’t scared to work hard and roll his sleeves up and it’s a credit to him that his journey has taken him to this stage.”
“Joel is still only 24-years-old and still developing so there will be progress to be made in the next year and this is a good place for him to do it.”
Upon joining the Shrimps, Senior said:
“I am really happy to join Morecambe. I know League Two from last season and I want to make sure that I am competitive in League Two again this season, it’s an important part of my progress and I am looking forward to the challenge ahead.”
“I look forward to meeting the team and getting to work for the season ahead, having tasted promotion it makes me want it again.”
Writer’s view
As a Carlisle fan, I was extremely sad to see Senior released at the end of the season. Although plagued by his injury during his time with us, he really showed his worth in the latter end of the season and in the play-offs. Morecambe have a very capable full-back on their hands who has the potential to be one of the best in the fourth tier if staying fit and getting a consistent run of minutes. The one-year deal must be down to his injury record but if performing well, you’d expect that to be extended during the season.